The Million-Dollar Heart

When Leopold walked in, the scene before him stopped him dead in his tracks.

There was Percival, shirtless and blushing furiously, sprawled on the couch while Vivienne, with eyes sparkling with mischief, was pointing her smartphone at him like she was about to devour him whole. Leopold was dumbfounded.

He had only been gone for what, ten minutes? And things had escalated this quickly?

The room was buzzing with an energy that was both electric and slightly scandalous.

The unexpected interruption clearly didn't sit well with Vivienne, who shot Leopold a glare sharp enough to cut, "Out!"

Leopold, taken aback and with every wild thought fleeing his mind except for self-preservation, stammered, "Uh, Vivienne, I saw nothing, really. Just came to drop off the car keys...'

With that, he tossed the keys towards the entryway and made a hasty retreat, not even bothering to close the door properly.

Once outside, he took a deep breath.

Trust Vivienne to be involved in something he hadn't even dreamed of.

Poor Percival, though. In Vivienne's clutches, he was practically a goner.

After snapping a few pics, Vivienne put down her phone and picked up a cotton swab to tend to the scrapes on Percival's arms and shoulders.

Once she was done, she let out a sigh and finally voiced her concerns, "Mr. Wolf, it looks like our wedding might need to be postponed."

Percival turned to face her, "Your dad still not on board?"

Vivienne grimaced, "It's not just my dad this time. My four uncles too. They want to throw a big bash. My mom's wedding was a surprise to them, and now, they want to make sure they're fully prepared for ours."

Percival thought for a moment, then pulled her into a hug, "I understand."

Feeling his strong heartbeat, Vivienne nestled closer, "You're so understanding, Mr. Wolf."

Percival stroked her hair, his eyes filled with affection, "My understanding is all for you."

leave the wedding plans to me. I'll meet your dad

looked up in surprise, "You think you can

"There's always a way."

"I've dealt with tougher crowds than your brothers.

now intrigued, couldn't help but look forward to it, "Well, you better be prepared,

couch, or just being

up, she saw dusk

four dishes, a soup, and a palm-sized strawberry cheesecake. "Come on, have

down, reaching for the cake first, only for Percival to hand her a fork, "Eat

the cake immediately, Vivienne felt as if there were ants crawling in her heart, "Mr. Wolf, you're getting stingy. This cake's too small for my appetite." Percival sighed, "Eating too much cream

tomorrow I want a cheesecake twice this

laughed and

with a deep look, he asked, "Staying

then decided, "Better not. I don't want your house

Percival, "..."

have to take their frustrations out on

The Linklater household.

stepped in, Arthur's booming voice filled

dare he! I'm going to blow that scoundrel's

"I, uh..."

daughter's figure, switched from fury to fondness in an instant, "Oh,

misheard, darling. I was saying, it's late; are you hungry? I've just mastered the

for damage control, Arthur's face was

throbbed, "No thanks,

daughter home safely deflated Arthur's earlier bluster, and he quickly agreed, "Alright, then first thing tomorrow, I'll make you breakfast." Vivienne, heading upstairs, suddenly turned back to Sasha, "Mom, Mr.

giving

next time. She's home safe, isn't No need to

days, Vivienne

spent her days reading in the garden with Sasha